Biomaterials & Microfluidics (S. Gobaa)
Pathogenesis of vascular infections (G. Duménil)
The project
Both the Biomaterials & Microfluidics core facility and the Pathogenesis of Vascular Infections unit at Institut Pasteur are joining efforts in order to develop new microfluidic culture devices capable of recapitulating the physiological and morphological properties of human organs. The global aim of the project is to advance the “organ-on-chip” field by reconstructing faithful mimics of vascularized human tissues. Practically, the selected candidate will produce and interconnect microfluidic devices capable of supporting vasculogenesis and ultimately recapitulating the functional properties of specific vascular barriers (epithelial/endothelial interface, blood-brain barrier…) on-chip. Application in the field of infectious disease will be sought with a particular emphasis on bloodborne pathogens.
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Activities
The project entails designing and performing experiments using both microfluidic chips and hydrogel technology capable of recapitulation both the biogenesis and the perfusion of blood vessels in vitro. In a second step the selected candidate will drive the production of tissue-specific capillaries on-chip and the establishment of an efficient interconnection strategy.
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Knowledge
A good expertise in the fields of photolithography and microfluidics chip design and fabrication is required. Prior experience with microfluidic valves will be appreciated. Good notions in mammalian cell culture and/or in vitro vascularization assays will be a strong plus.
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Skills
The candidate must be highly motivated, creative and capable of independent thinking. He/she should be interested in the development of technology for biomedical research. The candidate should be capable of working autonomously and as part of a team and efficiently team-up with scientists in the lab of Guillaume Duménil.
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Education
The candidate should have a PhD degree in bioengineering or in the field of biomaterials with a good publication record. Good knowledge in cell biology will be a plus.
The lab
- The Biomaterials & Microfluidics group was launched in April 2015 in order to address the bioengineering needs of Institut Pasteur. The objective of the platform is to bridge biology and engineering in order to help the development of biomedical projects with a strong technological focus. We pursue an independent research line focusing on technological development in the field of Organ-on-Chip, advanced stem cell-based assays and 3D scaffolds.
- The Pathogenesis of Vascular Infections unit headed by Guillaume Duménil studies the pathogenesis of vascular colonization by the human-specific bacterium Neisseria meningitidis in a global and multidisciplinary approach combining microbiology with cell biology, vascular biology, microfabrication, chemistry and physics.
For further information:
Application / Financial support
Applicants should send their CV, a summary of previous research experience and if possible the names of two references to Samy Gobaa (samy.gobaa@pasteur.fr)
Funding body: ANR AAPG2018 MeningoChip. Duration: 2 years.